Embakasi North Member of Parliament (MP) James Gakuya has defended Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna‘s growing influence within the opposition, arguing that the embattled Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)Secretary-General could play a critical role in helping opposition leaders settle on a single presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election.

This is even as the opposition parties explore frameworks aimed at avoiding vote-splitting and strengthening their prospects in the race for State House.

Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Gakuya dismissed claims that Sifuna’s recent political posture could complicate opposition unity, instead describing him as a pragmatic leader whose position could help streamline discussions among opposition principals seeking to challenge and unseat President William Ruto.

According to Gakuya, fears that Sifuna’s camp could derail efforts to build a united opposition front are misplaced.

“I have not seen any indicator that shows such kind of complication,” Gakuya said, noting that the opposition is made up of several political parties with diverse interests and leadership structures.

The legislator emphasised that the opposition movement is not centred around a single party and that discussions on leadership and strategy must reflect the coalition’s broad-based nature.

Gakuya suggested that Sifuna’s recent actions within ODM should not be interpreted as an attempt to divide the opposition. Instead, he argued that the senator has been focused on establishing his authority within the party and demonstrating leadership.

“When the split came, I would not stand to say Sifuna should be blamed. The option that he took was to establish authority and show the rest of the team that he has a mandate,” he said.

The MP maintained that Sifuna’s current position remains consistent with the broader opposition agenda, particularly on the need to field a single presidential candidate in 2027.

Gakuya pointed out that Sifuna has repeatedly opposed the idea of multiple opposition candidates contesting against President Ruto, warning that such a move would weaken the coalition’s chances of success.

“Sifuna has all the time been repeating that there is no aim of having two candidates to face William Ruto,” Gakuya stated.

The 2027 battle

The remarks come amid ongoing debates within opposition circles over how to accommodate key political figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and the Linda Mwananchi battalion, and rally behind one presidential candidate, while still maintaining unity.

Gakuya acknowledged that bringing together several influential politicians inevitably creates political arithmetic that must be carefully managed.

However, he insisted that the final decision on the presidential flagbearer will not be determined by any single party or faction.

“The decision of one candidate is not going to be made by the members of one party. It will be left to the principals of those parties,” he said.

According to the MP, opposition leaders are likely to establish a joint structure that will determine the most suitable candidate rather than relying on competitive nominations or party ballots.

“We are not going to the ballot. I think there will be a mechanism of a joint structure that will bring that single presidential candidate,” he explained.

Gakuya further noted that Sifuna has never publicly insisted that he or any specific leader must become the coalition’s presidential candidate. Instead, he said, the ODM Secretary-General has shown willingness to engage with other opposition leaders as equals in pursuit of a common goal.

“I have not heard Sifuna say he must be the one. He will come in as a principal and be as much a principal as Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua and the rest,” he remarked.

The lawmaker argued that Sifuna’s support for consensus-building demonstrates political maturity and should reassure leaders who fear internal competition.

“There is a lot of wisdom with Sifuna. If Sifuna can sit and agree, then anybody else within that team should sit and agree,” Gakuya said.